Castiglione d’Orcia is a medieval hilltop town in the Val d’Orcia 40 kilometres south east of Siena. It is first mentioned as a settlement in 714 when it was a possession of the Aldobrandeschi family.
In 1252 the town became a free comune, but lost its independence in the following century to the Republic of Siena and was under the control of the powerful Piccolomini and Salimbeni families. Later it became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and from 1861 part of unified Italy.
It boasts a stunning castle, the 13th century Rocco Tentennano, which was the centre of the struggle between the Salimbeni and the Republic of Siena. It is the first thing you notice as you approach Castiglione d’Orcia.
There were few people about the day we wandered through the medieval streets. The town is well preserved, but there were few signs of life. The ruins of another castle are above the town.
There are some lovely views of the valley below.
The Piazza il Vecchiata seems to be the heart of the town.
In the newer part of town were a few shops and an impressive fountain.
We were delighted to find a Trattoria open. Il Cassero is in Piazza Cesare Battista. The terrace was not open, but is was cosy inside on a cool spring day.
The owner was keen to chat and told us that very few people now live in the old town, but it comes alive in the summer when home owners return for a few weeks. The houses are full and the streets busy with residents and tourists.
We had a delicious lunch of handmade pici and strips of pork in sambuca.
Here is a last look at the castle as we left the town.
It is certainly worth calling into Castiglione d’Orcia for a short visit. You can climb up to the castle and I hope the Trattoria is open for you.